No rules, no problem

SHARMA HOWARD

Wednesday

Jan 28, 2009 at 12:01 AMJan 28, 2009 at 8:12 PM

Every year the Hygienic Art show pokes at one of the most vexing riddles in the art world — what is art? Can it be an ashtray brimming with butts, a toilet, a Playmobile doll as Benedict Arnold holding a match to a map of New London?

Every year the Hygienic Art show pokes at one of the most vexing riddles in the art world — what is art? Can it be an ashtray brimming with butts, a toilet, a Playmobile doll as Benedict Arnold holding a match to a map of New London?

Does an artist need to show some draftsmanship, skill and training to have their work considered art? By some standards, the answer is a resounding yes. At the other end of the spectrum, anything that provokes a response, regardless of skill set, can be considered art.

Viewer’s opinion, though, isn’t the crux of the annual Hygienic Art Show — Hygienic Art XXX — which will open Saturday at the Hygienic Galleries, in New London. The exhibit will run until Feb. 14.

The annual art show, which began at the old Hygienic Restaurant in 1979, moved around the city before a grassroots effort in 2000 bought their current building. Then slated for demolition, the building gave the exhibition a permanent home, as well as created a place for artist residencies and year-round exhibits.

The spirit of the exhibit — which is no judge, no jury, no fees, and no censorship — has remained strong. It is modeled, said A. Vincent Scarano, Hygienic president and one of the original Hygienic artists, on Salon des Independants, the French movement begun by the Impressionists, who were shunned from mainstream galleries when they first embarked on their vibrant style of painting.

“This is an artist’s party and a chance for the artists to really get together and do what they want to do without restriction in the moment, to share ideas and creativity. The audience are the spectators of this evolving art community. The show is more geared to artists and giving them freedom, and that is precious to artists,” said Scarano.

What began as an art exhibit at a local restaurant, inspired by a state grant so that the “everyday man” could enjoy art in a non-intimidating venue, has now become a renowned event that brims over into three weekends of arts festivities.

Yet it is the art show that remains the heart of the event — it is where viewers can expect the unexpected when they attend the Hygienic show. From fine art and furniture, to shock art, to some truly ingenious displays of expression, this is where the rules are chucked out the window for exuberant expression.

Artistic departures

Artists who normally might do traditional work will depart from their usual venue and have fun for the Hygienic show.

“This is fun, it lets you come of the box and do what you want, and it gets the community involved in the arts,” said Jacqueline Phillips of Norwich, a traditional pastel and oil artist.
“For me, I want to show ‘yes, I’m an artist, yes, this is still an art gallery, but isn’t it fun to have something erotic for a change,’” said Phillips.

Glenn Hart, of Montville, who has been showing at the Hygienic since the mid-eighties, and has created five posters for the show, said being involved in the Hygienic is liberating.

“I really like the fact that a lot of the art in our area is somewhat staid, a lot of the venues around are traditional, and this isn’t at all.”

One advantage for artists, he said was the exposure the Hygienic invariably brings, comparing it to mass media.

“We know thousands of people will go through there. If you’ve done a stunning piece it will stick out just fine,” he said.

If you go
Hygienic Art XXX: Hanging 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday. Show opens at 8 p.m. Hygienic Galleries, 79 Bank Street, New London.
No judge, no jury, no fees. Artists are allowed to bring one piece of artwork and find a spot on the wall — first come, first served. The exhibit continues Sunday, noon to 6 p.m, and closes Feb. 14.

The Screening Room: Film festival. Noon to 4 p.m., Saturday. Carriage House, 41 Golden Street, New London.
The festival features works from both emerging and established filmmakers. The films range from regional shorts and animations to feature-length films. For more information contact Brian Kobylarz at (860) 889-4428.

The Hygienic Assumes No Responsibility: A retrospective exhibit of Polaroid portraits of Hygienic artists by Vinnie Scarano, as well as art debris from the Hygienic files. The exhibit opens 6 p.m., Saturday, at the Golden Street Gallery, 94 Golden Street, New London. The show runs through until Feb. 19.

Hygienic Young Artists XVIII: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. Garde Arts Gallery, 305 State Street, New London. One piece per artist and anything goes. Work doesn’t need to be framed. No subject, size, or format restrictions. Work will not be judged or sold.
The opening reception will feature live music from teenage bands, hands-on art-making, reading by a published children’s author, and refreshments. At noon, the whimsical
Mystic Paper Beasts will make an appearance and share their masks and costumes.
For more information, e-mail Meredith Andrews at mandrews@ledyard.net